Winter Driving Tips:The best advice for driving in bad winter weather is not to drive at all, if you can avoid it.Don't go out until the snow plows and treatment trucks have had a chance to do theirwork, and above all allow yourself extra time to reach your destination.It's helpful to practice winter driving techniques in a snowy, open parking lot, so you're familiar with how your car handles. Consult your owner's manual for tips specific to your vehicle.

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Driving safely on icy roads:1). Decrease your speed and leave yourself plenty of room to stop. You should allowat least three times more space than usual between you and the car in front of you.2. Brake gently to avoid skidding. If your wheels start to lock up, ease off the brake.3. Turn on your lights to increase your visibility to other motorists.4. Keep your lights and windshield clean.5. Use low gears to keep traction, especially on hills.6. Don't use cruise control or overdrive on icy roads.7. Be especially careful on bridges, overpasses and infrequently traveled roads,which will freeze first. Even at temperatures above freezing, if the conditions arewet, you might encounter ice in shady areas or on exposed roadways like bridges.8. Don't pass snowplows and treatment trucks. The drivers have limited visibility,and you're likely to find the road in front of them worse than the road behind. Plus when they are spreading salt the spray could damage your car9. Don't assume your vehicle can handle all conditions. Even four-wheel and front-wheel drive vehicles can encounter trouble on winter roads especially going down hills.

If your rear wheels skid:1. Take your foot off the accelerator.2. Steer in the direction you want the front wheels to go. If your rear wheels are sliding left, steer left. If they're sliding right, steer right.3. If your rear wheels start sliding the other way as you recover, ease the steering wheel toward that side. You might have to steer left and right a few times to get your vehicle completely under control.4. If you have standard brakes, pump them gently.5. If you have anti-lock brakes (ABS), do not pump the brakes. Apply steady pressure to the brakes. You will feel the brakes pulse —this is normal.

If your front wheels skid:1). Take your foot off the gas and shift to neutral, but don't try to steer immediately.2. As the wheels skid sideways, they will slow the vehicle and traction will return. As it does, steer in the direction you want to go. Then put the transmission in "drive" or release the clutch, and accelerate gently.

If you get stuck:1). Do not spin your wheels. This will only dig you in deeper.

2. Turn your wheels from side to side a few times to push snow out of the way.3. Use a light touch on the gas, to ease your car out.4. Use a shovel to clear snow away from the wheels and the underside of the car.5. Pour sand, kitty litter, gravel or salt in the path of the wheels, to help get traction.6. Keep a 2’ x 4’ piece of scrap carpet to put under your tires to aid getting traction7. Try rocking the vehicle. (Check your owner's manual first —it can damage thetransmission on some vehicles.) Shift from forward to reverse, and back again.Each time you're in gear, give a light touch on the gas until the vehicle gets going.

Prepare your car for winter:Start with a checkup that includes:Checking the ignition, brakes, wiring, hoses and fan belts.Changing and adjusting the spark plugs.Checking the air, fuel and emission filters, and the PCV valve.Inspecting the distributor.Checking the battery.Checking the tires for air, side wall wear and tread depth.Checking antifreeze levels.Your car should have a tune-up (check the owner's manual for the recommended interval) to ensure better gas mileage, quicker starts and faster response on pick up and passing power.

Necessary Equipment:An emergency situation on the road can arise at any time and you must be prepared. In addition to making sure you have the tune-up, a full tank of gas, and fresh anti-freeze.

If You Become Stranded:Do not leave your car unless you know exactly where you are, how far it is to possible help, and are certain you will improve your situation.To attract attention, light two flares and place one at each end of the car a safe distance away. Hang a brightly colored cloth from your antenna.If you are sure the car's exhaust pipe is not blocked, run the engine and heater for about 10 minutes every hour or so depending upon the amount of gas in the tank.To protect yourself from frostbite and hypothermia use the woolen items and blankets to keep warm.Keep at least one window open slightly. Heavy snow and ice can seal a car shut.Eat a hard candy to keep your mouth moist.

Safety Tips for Bad-Weather Driving:Be PreparedYou must be ready for whatever you may encounter. Yes, this is common sense. But how many of us jump in our vehicle when the weather looks nice and end up in a storm?I suggest proper clothing (loose layers of clothing, extra gloves, rain gear)A flashlight in the glove boxA blanket, food and waterA bag of sand or salt and extra windshield washer fluidA windshield scraperJumper cablesTire chains or traction matsHave at least a half tank of gas at all times during the winterPlan long trips carefullyCheck road conditions for each area you are drivingComplete a Pre-Trip InspectionDo a visual, hands-on inspection and check all important items, including tires, wiper blades and fluid and lights.Be sure to have a mechanic check your car at the beginning of winter.Slow downGive yourself extra space. Allow for more room between yourself and other vehicles.

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